Deu 17:16-17 | TNotes | STEP | 17:16 never return to Egypt: Going there would show a king’s lack of dependence on God, who had redeemed Israel from bondage to Egypt. The best horses were found in Egypt (see 1 Kgs 10:28-29 ).

b1 Kgs 10:28-29►

d2 Sam 5:13►

f1 Kgs 11:3-4►

‏ Deuteronomy 17:16-17

17:16 ^a never return to Egypt: Going there would show a king’s lack of dependence on God, who had redeemed Israel from bondage to Egypt. The best horses were found in Egypt (see 1 Kgs 10:28-29 ^b).
17:17 ^c many wives: Polygamy is neither prohibited nor sanctioned here. This guideline was meant to moderate and regulate the practice. In the ancient world, kings married many wives to cement political alliances with other kingdoms, showing trust in human power rather than God’s provision. David (2 Sam 5:13 ^d; 12:11 ^e) and Solomon (1 Kgs 11:3-4 ^f) both ignored this warning to their own great harm and that of the nation.

• must not accumulate: The amassing of wealth was another sign of dependence on human resources.